It is not new that 2020 was one of the most difficult years in the world. With the pandemic, we are facing a crisis in several sectors, including and especially in tourism. But, to pleasant surprise, at a time so difficult to overcome, for the fourth consecutive year Portugal was elected the best European destination at the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of Tourism.
In a ceremony held this year in virtual format, professionals in the sector awarded 23 prizes to Portugal. Among them is the award for Best Island Destination in Europe won by Madeira for the fifth consecutive time, Best City Break Destination in Europe, attributed to the city of Oporto, Lisbon was distinguished as Best European Cruise Destination and the award Best European Beach Destination went to the Algarve.
Being highlighted as the best European destination this year is extremely important for Tourism in Portugal. This recognition reinforces the sector’s commitment to keep tourism active in the country, even with all the difficulty. Whether in the area of accommodation, restaurants or tourist spots, it is an added value that may be important for next year.
See the list of 23 awards received by Portugal. To see the complete list of the World Travel Awards – Europe Edition, see here.
Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2020 – Azores Islands
Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2020 – Paiva Footbridges (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark), Portugal
Europe’s Leading Airline to Africa 2020 – TAP Air Portugal
Europe’s Leading Airline to South America 2020 – TAP Air Portugal
Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2020 – Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive Beach & Spa Resort, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2020 – The Algarve, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2020 – Sublime Comporta, Portugal
Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2020 – Porto, Portugal
Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board 2020 – Tourism of Lisbon
Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination 2020 – Lisbon, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2020 – Lisbon Cruise Port, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Design Hotel 2020 – 1908 Lisbon Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Destination 2020 – Portugal
Europe’s Leading Inflight Magazine 2020 – Up Magazine (TAP Air Portugal)
Europe’s Leading Island Destination 2020 – Madeira Islands
Europe’s Leading Island Resort 2020 – Vila Baleira Resort
Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel 2020 – Pestana CR7 Lisbon, Lifestyle Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Resort 2020 – Conrad Algarve, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotel 2020 – Valverde Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2020 – Belmond Reid’s Palace, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort & Villas 2020 – Dunas Douradas Beach Club SA, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Tourism Development Project 2020 – Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal and Spain
Europe’s Leading Wine Region Hotel 2020 – L’AND Vineyards, Portugal
Europe’s Most Romantic Resort 2020 – Monte Santo Resort, Portugal
Europe’s Responsible Tourism Award 2020 – Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal and Spain
Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel Operator – Amazing Evolution Management
The World Travel Awards began in 1993, in recognition of the work done in the tourism industry at a global level and as a way to stimulate competitiveness and quality in tourism. The selection of the nominees is carried out worldwide by thousands of professionals in the sector, who every year choose their favorites.
